Quick Answer: Why Do Burn Risks Increase in Winter?

Burn injuries become more common during colder months due to:

• Heaters and fireplaces
• Hot water bottles
• Hot drinks and cooking
• Fire pits and camping equipment

Having the right first aid supplies and knowing how to respond quickly is essential.

Why Burn Injuries Increase During Winter

As temperatures drop across Australia, people spend more time around heat sources and hot liquids.

This leads to an increased risk of:

• Kitchen burns
• Scalds from hot drinks and water
• Heater-related injuries
• Outdoor fire and camping burns

Many of these injuries happen at home, but workplaces are also affected — particularly in hospitality, construction, and industrial environments.

Common Winter Burn Risks in Australia

Hot Drinks & Boiling Water

Tea, coffee, kettles, and boiling water are one of the most common causes of burns during winter.

Children are particularly vulnerable to scald injuries from hot liquids.

Heaters & Fireplaces

Portable heaters, fireplaces, and electric blankets can cause:

• Contact burns
• Fire hazards
• Overheating injuries

Extra care should be taken around children and older Australians.

Fire Pits, Camping & Outdoor Heating

As outdoor entertaining continues through cooler weather, fire pits and camping equipment increase the risk of:

• Flame burns
• Burns from hot metal surfaces
• Accidental contact injuries

Kitchen & Hospitality Burns

Winter often means increased cooking, soups, hot oils, and busy kitchens.

Hospitality environments regularly see burns from:

• Fryers
• Hot pans
• Steam
• Boiling liquids

Burn treatment supplies are especially important in kitchens and cafes.

First Aid for Burns: What to Do

For most burns:

Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes

Step-by-step burn first aid:

1. Remove the person from the source

Move away from heat safely.

2. Cool the burn immediately

Use cool running water for 20 minutes.

3. Remove restrictive items

Remove:

• Jewellery
• Tight clothing
• Watches

(Unless stuck to the skin)

4. Cover the burn

Use:

• A sterile non-stick dressing
• Burn dressing
• Clean covering

5. Seek medical help if needed

Seek medical attention if:

• The burn is severe
• Larger than a 20c coin
• On the face, hands, feet, or joints
• There are signs of infection

What NOT to Do for Burns

Avoid:

• ❌ Ice
• ❌ Butter or oils
• ❌ Creams
• ❌ Breaking blisters

These can worsen the injury and damage the skin further.

What Should Be in a Burn Treatment Kit?

A properly stocked first aid kit should include:

• Burn gel
• Burn dressings
• Sterile non-adherent dressings
• Bandages
• Gloves

Browse our burn treatment supplies and first aid kits

Workplace Burn Risks During Winter

Burn risks also increase in workplaces during colder months.

Hospitality & Kitchens

Common injuries:

• Steam burns
• Oil splashes
• Contact burns

Construction & Trade Environments

Common injuries:

• Portable heaters
• Welding and equipment
• Outdoor heating sources

Warehouses & Industrial Sites

Common risks:

• Machinery
• Hot surfaces
• Workshop heaters

Workplaces should ensure first aid kits are properly stocked and easily accessible.

Trainer Insight

One of the most common mistakes we see is people not cooling burns for long enough. Running cool water over the burn for a full 20 minutes can significantly reduce tissue damage and improve outcomes.

Is Your First Aid Kit Ready for Winter?

Winter is a good time to check your supplies.

Important items to review:

• Burn gel in date
• Burn dressings stocked
• Kits easily accessible
• Workplace kits fully supplied

A small amount of preparation can make a significant difference when an injury occurs.

Stay Prepared This Winter

Burn injuries can happen quickly — at home, at work, or outdoors.

👉 Ensuring your first aid kit is properly stocked with burn treatment supplies helps you respond quickly and confidently.

👉 Browse our first aid kits and burn treatment products to stay prepared this winter.

FAQs

Why do burn injuries increase in winter?

Due to heaters, hot liquids, fireplaces, and increased cooking activity.

What is the first thing to do for a burn?

Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes.

Should you use ice on a burn?

No, ice can worsen tissue damage.

What should be in a burn first aid kit?

Burn gel, burn dressings, sterile dressings, bandages, and gloves.

by